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November 8, 2012

HENNESSEY'S-WPA Crowns 2012 World Champions

Hennessey’s and the World Paddle Association in association with SUP Mexico crown 2012 Stand Up Paddle World Champions Fernando Stalla, Candice Appleby and Paddleboard champion Joel Mason in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Approximately 180 participants competed in both Elite and Open divisions in a 11.5 mile downwind race, 4.5 mile technical race, relay race and kids race in 8 to 20mph conditions over two days.

Competitors enjoyed beautiful Cabo San Lucas weather with the air and water temperatures in the mid 80’s with mild to challenging wind conditions towards the middle of both days.  Candice Appleby had to hold off a hard charging Jenny Kalmbach who finished first in the downwind race (7th overall) and second in the technical race with Candice taking the overall Women’s title by virtue of a tie break. Candice and Jenny both finished with a 1st and 2nd place with the best finish in the technical race breaking the tie.  Brandi Baksic finished 3rd overall with a 3rd place in both races.

Fernando Stalla won the Men’s overall championship in his home country and along with an emotional victory since losing his Mother three months ago.  Fernando sealed his overall victory by winning the technical race in convincing fashion over Chase Kosterlitz who finished first in the downwind race and third in the technical race to take second overall.  Ryan Helm finished 3rd overall with a 3rd place in both races.

Joel Mason left his stamp on the event with a first place overall finish in Men’s Unlimited paddleboard in the downwind race.  Joel coming in from Australia held on to his first place position for the entire race to take a well deserved overall victory.  $16,500 total prize money was handed out to the Elite competitors in SUP and Paddleboard along with awards for the top three places in each age division for both Elite and Open divisions.

The World Championships were capped off by an incredible Awards banquet put on by SUP Mexico at Don Sanchez’s in downtown San Jose Del Cabo and weeklong first class treatment at the Royal Solaris resort.  More details and results with Elite and Open divisions to be posted on www.worldpaddleassociation.com.